Venezuelan Defense Minister Gustavo González López says sovereignty not negotiable

Defense Minister Gustavo González López told a televised ceremony on 19 June that Venezuela’s “ideas of sovereignty and protection of the homeland and the people are not negotiable.” The remarks came amid closer ties with the United States following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in early January, and after the government announced a renewal of the armed forces and new senior military appointments.

López highlighted the country’s “Bolivarian military doctrine” and cited recent joint operations with the United States against criminal groups such as the Tren de Aragua, while civil society observers noted continued opacity around the exact timing of a recent raid that killed the gang’s leader.

Keywords: Venezuelan defense, sovereignty statement, Gustavo González López, US‑Venezuela cooperation, Bolivarian doctrine